Are filters needed for the FZ30???

[tealwoodlabs]

I just purchased the DMC-FZ30 digital. The seller tried to talk me into purchasing a 3-pack of filters for $119 (normally $149), said Panasonic recommended using all 3 filters all the time and they sell for $199. One was the UV, another he said would reduce red-eye and give better indoor pics, the other I'm not sure ... maybe a polarizer.

I know NOTHING about filters! Is what they say true? Are they needed? If so, does one need to spend this much? I see there's a great price differential in available filters. What's appropriate for the FZ30? HELP! :confused:

[genece]

Not true ...but my self I use a linear polarizer and a UV filter for the FZ 30 they are about 20 bucks each.

[coldrain]

I just purchased the DMC-FZ30 digital. The seller tried to talk me into purchasing a 3-pack of filters for $119 (normally $149), said Panasonic recommended using all 3 filters all the time and they sell for $199. One was the UV, another he said would reduce red-eye and give better indoor pics, the other I'm not sure ... maybe a polarizer.

I know NOTHING about filters! Is what they say true? Are they needed? If so, does one need to spend this much? I see there's a great price differential in available filters. What's appropriate for the FZ30? HELP! :confused:
Cheap filters are what they are, cheap... they can be had from around 20$ up, and may cause lens flare and other reflections. High quality filters that will not introduce unwanted effects at times are costly, because they have multiple coatings to avoid reflections and such.
Use filters for what they are useful for... UV filters for getting rid of some haze on sunny days in landscapes, or on the beach (and there they are useful to protect the front lens element from salt water spray). Use a polarizer if you want to minimize reflexion in water and windows, or if you want the sky more blue and the clouds more defined on sunny days. Red eye filters do noy exist to my knowledge. You do not always have to use a filter to protect a lens, a lens cap and a lens hood are much better to protect it.

[tealwoodlabs]

Cheap filters are what they are, cheap... they can be had from around 20$ up, and may cause lens flare and other reflections. High quality filters that will not introduce unwanted effects at times are costly, because they have multiple coatings to avoid reflections and such.
Use filters for what they are useful for... UV filters for getting rid of some haze on sunny days in landscapes, or on the beach (and there they are useful to protect the front lens element from salt water spray). Use a polarizer if you want to minimize reflexion in water and windows, or if you want the sky more blue and the clouds more defined on sunny days. Red eye filters do noy exist to my knowledge. You do not always have to use a filter to protect a lens, a lens cap and a lens hood are much better to protect it.

Maybe it was the polarization filter that reduced red-eye??? BTW, I looked it up; the 3-pack filters were 58mm (1) UV, (2) Fluorescent & (3) Polarizer. Didn't say what brand.

Panasonic site has 2 filters: a MC protector and a ND filter. What do they mean??? So confusing!

[tealwoodlabs]

Not true ...but my self I use a linear polarizer and a UV filter for the FZ 30 they are about 20 bucks each.

Do you use them alone or both together? What for? What brand and do they really do what you want?

[genece]

I leave a UV filter on all the time to protect the lens and I use a multicoated filter which does not cause lens flare infact the oposite is true

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=23730&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

I do remove the UV filter when using a polarizer but its not really necessary to do so with the FZ30.
and I use this Polarizer ...and the first one I bought was much more expensive circular polarizer but to be very honest I like the results from this one better.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=23441&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

One thing I find that helps a lot when taking photos is use the lens hood...I never take mine off.

[JohnT]

Gene

I am not sure I understand just when you should take off the UV Filter and put on the Polo one. Just on outside shots or what?

Thanks JohnT

[JohnT]

Gene

Are you saying you leave the lens hood on for both outside shots and inside shots. Will the polarizer filter fit with it on?

Thanks, JohnT

[genece]

A good UV filter will block almost no light and can be left on all the time for protection of your camera lens.

Not everyone agerees with me but IMHO ,a UV filter neither blocks UVrays or eliminates haze when used on a digital camera.
It is really only for protection.

A polarizer can be stacked on the UV filter but you may see vignetting at WA...I do not but it depends on the thickness of your filters.
If you see vignetting remove the UV filter or zoom a bit to eliminat it.

[LoveLife]

Gene

Are you saying you leave the lens hood on for both outside shots and inside shots. Will the polarizer filter fit with it on?

Thanks, JohnT

All zoom lens cameras require the use of lens hoods for almost all shooting environments. This is not a sunshade / hood. There is a light ray called ambient light, which washes out colors especially on zoom lenses. This type of invisible bouncing light beam is blocked with a hood with decent depth. The polarizer is classified as a special effects filter it can be used in many situations to improve the image quality by blocking glare (direct light) reflecting off beach sand, water and glass not metal. It can also enhance colors during bright sunshine days. So you see they may compliment each other at certain times not always. Stacking the two together does not solve any additional problems and can cause vignetting.